Fresh air: We have lift-off: this is the summer of the convertible

Our guide to getting the wind in your hair without feeling the breeze in your wallet. Andrew Frankel looks at the best open-tops in all classes

Convertibles have captivated our imagination since the birth of the car. The charm, sense of mildly intrepid freedom and the opportunity to show off in public offered by drop-top motoring are not difficult to see. However, it is only recently that convertibles have also started to capture our wallets.

Ten years ago, fewer than one in a hundred cars sold in the UK were convertibles. If sales continue as predicted this year, that figure will better one in 20 — more than a five-fold increase — giving Britain the biggest market share for convertibles in Europe.

Moreover, the past two years have seen sales accelerate still further. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 68,523 convertibles were sold in 2002; in 2003 the figure was 98,316. To date this year convertible sales are up a further 32.1% over 2003.